Continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of optical imaging, and discloses a continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging system and method.The system comprises a Z-axis unit, a Z-axis motor, a camera, an electric lens body and a lens, the Z-axis unit is connected with the Z-axis motor, the camera, the electric lens body and the lens are sequentially connected in the first linear direction, the electric lens body is connected with the Z-axis unit, and the Z-axis unit is connected with the Z-axis motor. The Z-axis motor can control the Z-axis unit to move in the second linear direction so as to drive the camera, the electric mirror body and the lens to move in the first linear direction, and the first linear direction is parallel to the second linear direction. The problems that in the prior art, the multiplying power is single, and continuous multiplying power change is difficult to achieve are solved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of optical imaging technology, and particularly relates to a continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging system and method. BACKGROUND

[0002] The automatic focusing zooming imaging system is an optical imaging device combining automatic focusing and zooming functions, and is widely applied to industrial detection, scientific research experiments and the like.

[0003] The technical principle of the automatic focusing zooming imaging system comprises: (1) Automatic focusing mechanism: The laser sensor or image analysis algorithm is used to detect the focus offset in real time, and the motor is driven to adjust the lens position, so that high-speed and accurate focusing is realized. (2) Zooming technology: The mechanical compensation design is adopted, the lens group is cooperatively moved to offset the image plane shift, the continuous zooming (such as 12.5 times zooming ratio) and the stable image plane are realized, and the electric / manual dual mode switching is supported in some systems, so as to adapt to different scene requirements.

[0004] The conventional automatic focusing zooming imaging system usually refers to a microscopic imaging system, which is composed of a camera 3, an objective lens, a laser automatic focusing system and the like, and the magnification is relatively fixed, such as 1.5 times, 2 times, 5 times, 10 times and 10 times. The objective lens is switched by using a linear objective lens switcher or a disk objective lens switcher to achieve the purpose of zooming. In some visual applications (especially in small magnification application scenarios), the use requirements cannot be met, and the existing technology has the following problems: the magnification is single and it is difficult to realize continuous magnification change; the object to be studied is not easy to find due to switching of high magnification; and the working distance is short and it is difficult to install other illumination units. SUMMARY

[0005] In order to overcome the defects of the prior art, the present application provides a continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging system and method, which solves the problems of single magnification and difficulty in realizing continuous magnification change in the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution of the present application to solve the above technical problems is as follows: A continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging system comprises a Z-axis unit, a Z-axis motor, a camera, an electric lens body and a lens. The Z-axis unit is connected with the Z-axis motor. The camera, the electric lens body and the lens are connected in sequence in a first linear direction. The electric lens body is connected with the Z-axis unit. The Z-axis motor can drive the camera, the electric lens body and the lens to move in the first linear direction by controlling the Z-axis unit to move in a second linear direction. The first linear direction is parallel to the second linear direction.

[0007] The present application has the following advantages: The application can observe the change of the structure of the object in real time in the continuous amplification process, has the advantages of simple operation, long working distance, wide application industry, continuous zooming between certain magnifications, no need to switch the objective lens, no problem of not easily finding the object to be studied due to switching of high magnification, and 20% cost reduction of the objective lens switching device compared with the objective lens switching device.

[0008] Based on the above technical solutions, the application can be further improved as follows.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the maximum frame rate of the camera is 9.4 fps.

[0010] The beneficial effects of the above preferred technical solution are: The selection of the maximum frame rate of 9.4 fps of the camera can improve the shooting efficiency while ensuring the field of view and magnification.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution, the image field of view of the motorized lens is greater than 17.51 mm.

[0012] The beneficial effects of the above preferred technical solution are: The selection of the image field of view of the motorized lens being greater than 17.51 mm can ensure the field of view of commonly used cameras.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution, the zoom range of the motorized lens is 1.5 to 10 times.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the above preferred technical solution are: The selection of the zoom range of the motorized lens being 1.5 to 10 times can ensure the commonly used zoom range.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution, the image field of view of the lens is greater than 17.51 mm 2X lens.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the above preferred technical solution are: The selection of the image field of view of the lens being greater than 17.51 mm 2X lens can ensure the application of commonly used motorized lenses, thereby ensuring the application of commonly used cameras.

[0017] As a preferred technical solution, it further comprises an illumination unit connected with the motorized lens, and the light emission direction of the illumination unit is the same as or opposite to the moving direction of the lens.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the above preferred technical solution are: The lighting unit facilitates ensuring the clarity of the focused imaging, and the setting connected with the motorized mirror body and moving with the lens facilitates timely adapting to the continuous zooming and also facilitates saving the installation space.

[0019] As a preferred technical solution, the ranging sensor is electrically connected with the Z-axis unit, and the ranging sensor is used for measuring the working distance of the lens and communicating with the ranging sensor.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the above preferred technical solution are: When the magnification needs to be adjusted, the ranging sensor sends a moving instruction and moving information to the Z-axis unit; wherein the moving information includes one or more of the following: moving distance, moving speed, moving direction; When the ranging sensor is working normally, the ranging sensor measures the working distance of the lens and transmits the working distance to the Z-axis unit; the Z-axis unit receives the moving instruction and moving information, and the Z-axis motor moves in the second linear direction by controlling the Z-axis unit, thereby driving the camera, the motorized mirror body and the lens to move in the first linear direction.

[0021] It is convenient to limit the working distance, and the Z-axis unit is controlled by the ranging sensor to accurately control the movement of the Z-axis unit to the working distance of imaging.

[0022] As a preferred technical solution, the measurement stroke of the ranging sensor is ±70mm.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the above preferred technical solution are: The setting of the measurement stroke of the ranging sensor being ±70mm facilitates ensuring the measurement accuracy by controlling the working distance, thereby ensuring the direct influence on imaging.

[0024] On the basis of the above technical solution, the application further provides a continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging method.

[0025] A continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging method, which adopts the continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging system for focusing imaging, includes the following steps: When the magnification needs to be adjusted, the Z-axis motor moves in the second linear direction by controlling the Z-axis unit, thereby driving the camera, the motorized mirror body and the lens to move in the first linear direction. The lens shoots the object to be imaged.

[0026] The beneficial effects of the above preferred technical solution are: This invention enables real-time observation of changes in the structure of an object during continuous magnification. It is simple to operate, requires no lens switching, and avoids the problem of difficulty in finding the object under study due to switching to higher magnification. It has the advantage of a long working distance and is applicable to a wider range of industries. It can continuously change magnification within a certain range without using a linear objective lens switcher or a rotary objective lens switcher. Instead, it achieves stepless magnification by driving the lens with a motor, which reduces the cost by 20% compared to using an objective lens switcher.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: (1) During continuous magnification, the present invention can observe the changes in the structure of the object in real time. It is simple to operate, does not require switching lenses, and does not have the problem of not being able to find the object of study due to switching to high magnification. It has the advantage of long working distance and is applicable to a wider range of industries. It can continuously change magnification within a certain range without switching the objective lens through a linear objective lens switcher or a rotary objective lens switcher. Instead, it achieves stepless magnification by driving the lens with a motor. In terms of cost, it is 20% cheaper than switching the objective lens with an objective lens switcher. (2) The selection of a camera with a maximum frame rate of 9.4fps ensures both field of view and magnification while also improving shooting efficiency; (3) The selection of motorized mirror bodies with an image-side field of view greater than 17.51mm can ensure the field of view of commonly used cameras; (4) The selection of motorized microscope bodies with a magnification range of 1.5 to 10x can ensure the commonly used magnification range; (5) The image-side field of view of the lens is greater than 17.51mm. The 2X lens can be used with commonly used motorized lens bodies, thus ensuring the field of view of commonly used cameras. (6) The illumination unit is convenient to ensure clear focusing and imaging, and the setting of connecting to the motorized lens body and moving with the lens is convenient to adapt to continuous magnification in a timely manner and also saves installation space. (7) It is convenient to limit the working distance. The Z-axis unit is controlled by the ranging sensor to accurately control the movement of the Z-axis unit to the imaging working distance; (8) The measurement stroke of the distance sensor is set to ±70mm, which makes it easy to ensure measurement accuracy by controlling the working distance, thereby ensuring that the imaging is directly affected. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a continuous zoom autofocus imaging system according to the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view in one direction; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A side view from another direction; Figure 4 for Figure 1 A bottom view.

[0029] The labels and their corresponding names in the attached diagram: 1-Z-axis unit, 2-Z-axis motor, 3-camera, 4-motorized mirror body, 5-lens, 6-range sensor, 7-illumination unit. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0031] The principles and features of the present invention are described below. The embodiments given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0032] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a continuous zoom autofocus imaging system includes a Z-axis unit 1, a Z-axis motor 2, a camera 3, a motorized lens 4, and a lens 5. The Z-axis unit 1 is connected to the Z-axis motor 2. The camera 3, the motorized lens 4, and the lens 5 are connected sequentially in a first linear direction. The motorized lens 4 is connected to the Z-axis unit 1. The Z-axis motor 2 can control the Z-axis unit 1 to move in a second linear direction, thereby driving the camera 3, the motorized lens 4, and the lens 5 to move in the first linear direction. The first linear direction is parallel to the second linear direction.

[0033] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention enables real-time observation of changes in the structure of an object during continuous magnification. It is simple to operate, requires no lens switching, and avoids the problem of difficulty in finding the object under study due to switching to higher magnification. It has the advantage of a long working distance and is applicable to a wider range of industries. It can continuously change magnification within a certain range without using a linear objective lens switcher or a rotary objective lens switcher. Instead, it achieves stepless magnification by driving the lens with a motor, which reduces the cost by 20% compared to using an objective lens switcher.

[0034] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.

[0035] As a preferred technical solution, the maximum frame rate of camera 3 is 9.4fps.

[0036] The beneficial effects of adopting the above-mentioned preferred technical solution are: The choice of Camera 3 with a maximum frame rate of 9.4fps ensures both field of view and magnification while also improving shooting efficiency.

[0037] As a preferred technical solution, the image-side field of view of the motorized mirror body 4 is greater than 17.51mm.

[0038] The beneficial effects of the above preferred technical solutions are: The selection of the image field of view of the motorized lens 4 greater than 17.51mm can ensure the application of the common camera 3.

[0039] As a preferred technical solution, the zoom range of the motorized lens 4 is 1.5 to 10 times.

[0040] The beneficial effects of the above preferred technical solutions are: The selection of the zoom range of the motorized lens 4 of 1.5 to 10 times can ensure the common zoom range.

[0041] As a preferred technical solution, the image field of view of the lens 5 is greater than 17.51mm 2X lens.

[0042] The beneficial effects of the above preferred technical solutions are: The selection of the image field of view of the lens 5 greater than 17.51mm 2X lens can ensure the application of the common motorized lens 4, thereby ensuring the application of the common camera 3.

[0043] As a preferred technical solution, it further comprises an illumination unit 7 connected with the motorized lens 4, and the light emission direction of the illumination unit 7 is the same as or opposite to the moving direction of the lens 5.

[0044] The beneficial effects of the above preferred technical solutions are: The illumination unit 7 facilitates clear focusing imaging, and the connection with the motorized lens 4 and the movement with the lens 5 facilitate timely adaptation to continuous zooming and also facilitate saving of installation space.

[0045] As a preferred technical solution, it further comprises a distance measuring sensor 6 electrically connected with the Z-axis unit 1, and the distance measuring sensor 6 is used for measuring the working distance of the lens 5 and communicating with the distance measuring sensor 6.

[0046] The beneficial effects of the above preferred technical solutions are: When the magnification needs to be adjusted, the distance measuring sensor 6 sends a moving instruction and moving information to the Z-axis unit 1; wherein the moving information includes one or more of the following: moving distance, moving speed, moving direction; When the distance measuring sensor 6 is normally working, the distance measuring sensor 6 measures the working distance of the lens 5 and transmits the working distance to the Z-axis unit 1; the Z-axis unit 1 receives the moving instruction and moving information, and the Z-axis motor 2 moves in the second straight line direction according to the moving instruction and moving information, thereby driving the camera 3, the motorized lens 4 and the lens 5 to move in the first straight line direction.

[0047] The working distance is limited, the Z-axis unit 1 is controlled through the distance measuring sensor 6, and the Z-axis unit 1 is accurately controlled to move to the working distance for imaging.

[0048] As a preferred technical solution, the measurement range of the distance measuring sensor 6 is ±70 mm.

[0049] The preferred technical solution has the beneficial effects that: The measurement range of the distance measuring sensor 6 is ±70 mm, which facilitates the control of the working distance to ensure the measurement accuracy and further ensure the direct influence on imaging.

[0050] Based on the above technical solution, the application further provides a continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging method.

[0051] A continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging method, which adopts the continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging system to perform focusing imaging, includes the following steps: When the magnification needs to be adjusted, the Z-axis motor 2 controls the Z-axis unit 1 to move in the second straight line direction, thereby driving the camera 3, the electric mirror body 4 and the lens 5 to move in the first straight line direction; The lens 5 photographs the object to be imaged.

[0052] The preferred technical solution has the beneficial effects that: In the continuous magnification process, the application can observe the changes of the structure of the object in real time, is simple to operate, does not need to switch the lens, and has the advantages of long working distance and wide application industry. The magnification can be continuously changed between a certain range, the objective lens is not switched through the linear objective lens switch or the rotary objective lens switch, but the motor drives the lens to realize the stepless zooming, and the cost is reduced by 20% compared with the cost of switching the objective lens through the objective lens switch.

[0053] A continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging method, which adopts the continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging system to perform focusing imaging, includes the following steps: The distance measuring sensor 6 measures the working distance of the lens 5 and transmits the working distance to the Z-axis unit 1; When the magnification needs to be adjusted, the distance measuring sensor 6 sends a moving instruction and moving information to the Z-axis unit 1; the moving information includes one or more of the following: moving distance, moving speed and moving direction; The Z-axis unit 1 receives the moving instruction and moving information, and the Z-axis motor 2 controls the Z-axis unit 1 to move in the second straight line direction, thereby driving the camera 3, the electric mirror body 4 and the lens 5 to move in the first straight line direction according to the moving instruction and moving information; The lens 5 photographs the object to be imaged.

[0054] The beneficial effects of the preferred technical solutions are as follows: The working distance is limited, the Z-axis unit 1 is controlled by the distance measuring sensor 6, and the Z-axis unit 1 is accurately controlled to move to the working distance of imaging.

[0055] Embodiment 2 As Figures 1 to 4 shown, based on embodiment 1, this embodiment provides more detailed implementation.

[0056] The purpose of the continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging system is to observe the structure change of the object in real time during continuous magnification when observing the object to be studied at a small magnification, which is simple to operate, does not need to switch lenses, and does not have the problem of not being easy to find the object to be studied due to switching to high magnification, has the advantage of long working distance, can carry more lighting units, and is more widely used in industries. The present application can continuously zoom (continuous zooming) between 1.5 times and 10 times without using a linear objective lens switch or a rotary objective lens switch to switch the objective lens, but using a motor to drive the lens to achieve stepless zooming.

[0057] More specific technical solutions are as follows: A continuous zooming automatic focusing imaging system is composed of a Z-axis unit 1, a Z-axis motor 2, a camera 3, an electric mirror body 4, a lens 5, a distance measuring sensor 6, a lighting unit 7, and the like, as Figure 1 shown.

[0058] The distance measuring sensor 6 is mainly used to limit the working distance, the Z-axis unit 1 is controlled by the distance measuring sensor 6, and the Z-axis unit 1 is accurately controlled to move to the working distance of imaging.

[0059] The camera 3 is mainly used for image acquisition and observation of the change process of the object to be studied.

[0060] The electric mirror body 4 mainly realizes zooming, and its principle is that the electric zoom lens (lens 5) drives the internal lens group linkage displacement by a motor, can clearly image after zooming through the image focusing system (software system, set in the lens 5), and can keep the image plane stable while automatically changing the optical magnification, realizing accurate and efficient automatic field of view switching. Preferably, the internal grating ruler can be used to record the position of the movement of the two groups of optical lenses, which eliminates the loss caused by the optical effect and various friction in the traditional zoom lens, greatly improves the optical performance, precision, stability and service life of the lens, etc. It is worth mentioning that the electric mirror body 4 can realize zooming through the existing technology, so its more specific working process and structure are not described in detail.

[0061] The Z-axis motor 2 drives the movement of the Z-axis unit 1, and reaches the degree of clear image.

[0062] Camera 3, motorized mirror body 4, and lens 5 are connected in sequence. Motorized mirror body 4 is mounted on Z-axis unit 1. Z-axis motor 2 controls Z-axis unit 1 to move in the vertical direction, thereby driving camera 3, motorized mirror body 4, and lens 5 to move together in the vertical direction.

[0063] The motor of this invention adopts a DC brushed micro motor motion mode, and the guide rail automatic zoom lens changes the traditional curved motion mode of the lens, and adopts a high-precision, high-efficiency linear guide rail motion system with a smaller coefficient of friction.

[0064] This invention reduces the cost of switching objectives by 20% compared to an objective lens switcher. After installing the objective lens, the working distance of the objective lens switcher is generally around 35mm, which is relatively short, making it impossible to install other illumination units 7 below it. In contrast, the working distance of continuous zoom autofocus imaging is generally around 90mm, allowing for the installation of illumination units 7 arbitrarily depending on the product being photographed, thus broadening its application range and enabling its widespread use in image acquisition research across various industries.

[0065] The following are two specific schemes for focusing and imaging using the aforementioned continuous zoom autofocus imaging system: (1) Situations where there is no range sensor 6, the range sensor 6 is faulty, or the range sensor 6 is not working: When the magnification needs to be adjusted, the Z-axis motor 2 controls the Z-axis unit 1 to move in the second linear direction, thereby driving the camera 3, motorized lens 4, and lens 5 to move in the first linear direction. Lens 5 takes a picture of the object to be imaged.

[0066] (2) The normal working condition of the ranging sensor 6: The ranging sensor 6 measures the working distance of the lens 5 and transmits the working distance to the Z-axis unit 1; When the magnification needs to be adjusted, the ranging sensor 6 sends a movement command and movement information to the Z-axis unit 1; wherein, the movement information includes one or more of the following: movement distance, movement speed, and movement direction; Z-axis unit 1 receives movement commands and movement information. Z-axis motor 2, based on the movement commands and movement information, controls Z-axis unit 1 to move in the second linear direction, thereby driving camera 3, motorized mirror body 4, and lens 5 to move in the first linear direction. Lens 5 takes a picture of the object to be imaged.

[0067] Example 3 like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a more detailed implementation method based on Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0068] This embodiment provides a specific scheme for selecting various components in a continuous zoom autofocus imaging system.

[0069] First, the field of view needs to be determined. At 10x magnification, with an accuracy of 0.00345mm / pixel, the field of view must not be less than 1.2mm*1mm. Based on the field of view and magnification, camera 3 is selected. =3478 pixels =3000 pixels. Based on the above calculations, camera 3 is selected as a 12M area array camera with a resolution of 4096*3000 and a pixel size of 3.45µm. Considering that color detection is not involved, a monochrome camera is selected. The detection requirement is to acquire the drawing once every 5 seconds, so the frame rate of camera 3 can be greater than 5fps. In summary, the selected camera 3 is: a 12M monochrome network camera with a resolution of 4096*3000, a pixel size of 3.45µm*3.45µm, and a maximum frame rate of 9.4fps.

[0070] Regarding the lens selection, since the long side of the 12M camera's lens is 4096 * 0.00345 = 14.13 mm and the short side is 3000 * 0.00345 = 10.35 mm, the calculated diagonal is... 17.51mm. Therefore, the lens body should have an image-side field of view greater than 17.51mm, and a magnification range of 1.5 to 10x.

[0071] For lens 5, a 2X lens with an image-side field of view greater than 17.51mm is sufficient.

[0072] For the light source option of lighting unit 7, since the object being collected is an LCD screen, which is a bright field lighting unit, the commonly used ordinary coaxial light lighting unit is selected.

[0073] The Z-axis motor 2 was selected based on the following criteria: When the lens 5 has a magnification of 10X, the optical resolution is 0.345µm, the depth of field is 14.70µm, and the motor's positional accuracy is less than 0.345µm, with a repeatability accuracy of ±0.2µm. Since the lens 5 is 100mm wide, the motor slide table is determined to be 120mm x 120mm. The actual measured weight of the lens body is 2.5kg, therefore, the motor's load capacity is greater than 10kg. Currently, a horizontal load capacity of 25kg has been selected (corresponding to the actual measured weight of the lens body of 2.5kg). If this product is used for vertical movement, 1 / 3 of the horizontal load is used for evaluation. Considering the addition of a ring light camera, some margin is also required, hence this load capacity. The repeatability accuracy is ±0.2µm. This focus sensor can achieve a focusing accuracy of 1 / 5 of the lens's depth of field; this accuracy is chosen for the stability of the focusing accuracy. The maximum horizontal speed is 10mm / s. In the R&D testing environment, a lens with an NA of 0.28 was used to test a ±150mm travel distance, achieving a focusing speed of 1.1 seconds, corresponding to a motor speed of 10mm / s. The image focusing algorithm is compatible with speeds around 10mm / s; a faster motor speed wouldn't significantly improve focusing speed, making this speed a more suitable choice. The motor travel distance is selected to be ±25mm. The minimum travel distance for the standard motors on this platform is currently ±25mm, covering the required measurement range. The selected motor and module are: 24V stepper motor with brake, ±25mm travel distance, maximum horizontal center load of 10KG, maximum speed of 10mm / s, repeatability accuracy of ±0.2um, and a main body made of aluminum alloy with anodized black finish.

[0074] For the ranging sensor 6, considering that measurement accuracy directly affects imaging, when the magnification of lens 5 is 10X, the optical resolution is 0.345um and the depth of field is 14.70um. Therefore, the measurement range is selected to meet the requirements of ±25mm travel on the Z-axis and the accuracy is less than the depth of field of 14.70um. In summary, the ranging sensor 6 is selected with a measurement travel of ±70mm, a repeatability of 0.4um, and an accuracy of 0.4um.

[0075] As described above, the present invention can be implemented well.

[0076] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0077] In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0078] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0079] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0080] In the description of this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0081] In the description of this invention, although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this invention.

[0082] In the description of this invention, all features disclosed in all embodiments of this specification, or steps in all methods or processes implied in the disclosure, may be combined and / or extended or replaced in any way, except for mutually exclusive features and / or steps.

[0083] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Based on the technical essence of the present invention, any simple modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made to the above embodiments within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A continuous zoom autofocus imaging system, characterized in that, It includes a Z-axis unit (1), a Z-axis motor (2), a camera (3), a motorized mirror body (4), and a lens (5). The Z-axis unit (1) is connected to the Z-axis motor (2). The camera (3), the motorized mirror body (4), and the lens (5) are connected in sequence in the first straight line direction. The motorized mirror body (4) is connected to the Z-axis unit (1). The Z-axis motor (2) can drive the camera (3), the motorized mirror body (4), and the lens (5) to move in the first straight line direction by controlling the Z-axis unit (1) to move in the second straight line direction. The first straight line direction is parallel to the second straight line direction.

2. The continuous zoom autofocus imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum frame rate of camera (3) is 9.4fps.

3. The continuous zoom autofocus imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image-side field of view of the motorized mirror (4) is greater than 17.51 ​​mm.

4. The continuous zoom autofocus imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnification range of the motorized microscope (4) is 1.5 to 10 times.

5. The continuous zoom autofocus imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image-side field of view of lens (5) is greater than that of a 17.51mm 2X lens.

6. The continuous zoom autofocus imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an illumination unit (7) connected to the motorized mirror body (4), the light emission direction of the illumination unit (7) being the same as or opposite to the movement direction of the lens (5).

7. A continuous zoom autofocus imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes a distance sensor (6) electrically connected to the Z-axis unit (1), the distance sensor (6) being used to measure the working distance of the lens (5) and to communicate with the distance sensor (6).

8. The continuous zoom autofocus imaging system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The measuring stroke of the distance sensor (6) is ±70mm.

9. A continuous zoom autofocus imaging method, characterized in that, Focusing and imaging using a continuous zoom autofocus imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 includes the following steps: When the magnification needs to be adjusted, the Z-axis motor (2) controls the Z-axis unit (1) to move in the second linear direction, thereby driving the camera (3), motorized lens body (4), and lens (5) to move in the first linear direction; Lens (5) takes a picture of the object to be imaged.

10. A continuous zoom autofocus imaging method, characterized in that, Focusing and imaging using the continuous zoom autofocus imaging system as described in claim 7 or 8 includes the following steps: The distance sensor (6) measures the working distance of the lens (5) and transmits the working distance to the Z-axis unit (1); When the magnification needs to be adjusted, the ranging sensor (6) sends a movement command and movement information to the Z-axis unit (1); wherein, the movement information includes one or more of the following: movement distance, movement speed, and movement direction; The Z-axis unit (1) receives movement commands and movement information, and the Z-axis motor (2) moves the camera (3), motorized mirror body (4), and lens (5) in the first straight line direction by controlling the Z-axis unit (1) to move in the second straight line direction according to the movement commands and movement information. Lens (5) takes a picture of the object to be imaged.

Images